Practical Autism Research

Evidence-based support for autistic children.

I'm Dr Odet Mark Aszkenasy, a Consultant Community Paediatrician and Clinical Lead for Autism Diagnostic Services in North East England. This site brings together research, practical guidance, and free resources for families and professionals navigating autism.

Latest Articles

Behaviour

Pica in Autistic Children: Causes, Investigations, and What Actually Helps

Genetics

Maternal Autoantibody-Related Autism: What We Know and What It Means

Clinical Practice

The Learning Disability Register: Why a Simple GP Letter Could Save Your Child's Life

Sensory

Making Sense of Sensory Processing: A Parent's Guide to Sensory Differences in Autism

Clinical Practice

Preparing Autistic Children for Medical Procedures: Why Picture Books Like Anna's Ultrasound Adventure Work

Education

School Refusal in Autistic Children: The Iceberg Model and What Actually Helps

Education

Supporting Your Autistic Child at School: What the Evidence Says

Tummy

Tummy Troubles in Autistic Children: A Practical Guide for Parents

Behaviour

Understanding Anxiety in Autistic Children: What Parents and Professionals Need to Know

Behaviour

When Behaviour Changes: A Clinical Checklist for Minimally Verbal Autistic Children

Toileting

Potty Training and Autism: Why It Takes Longer and What Actually Helps

Language

Why Isn't My Child Talking Yet? Understanding Language Development in Autistic Children

Genetics

Same Science, Different Access: Why the UK and US Disagree on Genetic Testing for Autism

Research Update

Research Round-Up: March 2026 - From Molecular Mechanisms to the Continuing Wait for Assessment

Genetics

Same Switches, Different Conditions: 683 Genetic Variants That Connect Autism, ADHD, and Six Other Psychiatric Disorders

Genetics

Why Does My Autistic Child Always Have Stomach Problems? A Genetic Contributing Factor

Genetics

A Shared Druggable Switch: How Nitric Oxide, TSC2, and mTOR Connect Multiple Forms of Autism

Sleep

The Sleep Connection: How a Circadian Clock Gene Links Sleep Biology to Autism

Genetics

Our Diagnoses Are Categories. Our Genes Are Not.

Transition

The Cliff Edge at 18: Why Autistic Young People Are Falling Through the Transition Gap

Leucovorin

The Largest Leucovorin-Autism Trial To-Date Has Been Retracted: What This Means for Families and Clinicians

Behaviour

Understanding Demand Avoidance in Autism: What the Research Really Tells Us

Sensory

Clinic visits and blood tests

Nutrition

Nutritional Issues in Autistic Children: A Practical Guide for Parents and Paediatricians

Leucovorin

Leucovorin in autism

Sleep

Sleep Struggles in Autism: Unlocking the Science for Better Nights